Implement a district wide RECESS FOR ALL policy for NHPS kids by Fall 2013

• Recess promotes learning, physical and mental health, and social development

• We are advocating a policy guaranteeing 20 minutes of recess a day for all children in preK-8 public schools

• If you support “recess for all”, please sign the petition.

We, the undersigned, are concerned citizens who urge our leaders to act now to ensure that a policy mandating a minimum of 20 minutes of daily, open-play recess for all children in New Haven Public Schools, is written and implemented by Fall 2013.

Recess is a vital part of our children's education as well as mental and physical development.

Currently, in the New Haven School District, there is no recess policy. Instead, each school principal has the responsibility of deciding what to do about recess. Many principles delegate this responsibility to the teachers, leaving them to decide to have recess or not. While there are a lucky few students, who get recess regularly, without the uniformity of a district mandate for at least 20 minutes of recess daily, most children will continue to lack the benefits of open-play recess.

An overwhelming number of studies, including those by the American Academy of Pediatrics (www.pediatrics.aappublications.org) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth), support the numerous advantages of daily recess for children. These studies show that recess helps children develop crucial social skills.

Through play they practice how to share, cooperate, problem-solve, and use self-control. Running, climbing, jumping rope and playing ball at recess are just some examples of how students get the exercise necessary to help promote and foster a healthy lifestyle, which not only benefits them physically, but academically as well.

The rest from using their “directed attention” (which is how children’s brains focus in the classroom), during recess provides them a necessary break, which allows them to return to the classroom refreshed and actually able to learn MORE. Children with daily recess also have improved behavior in the classroom, which leads to less interruptions, and again MORE learning.

Knowing the vast benefits that daily recess provides our children academically, socially, and developmentally, it seems that by not providing them with this vital school time experience, they are being greatly disserved.

There are laws protecting working adults with mandated breaks. Don’t our small children deserve, at the very least, those same rights?

We, the undersigned, are concerned citizens who urge our leaders to act now to ensure that a policy mandating a minimum of 20 minutes of daily, open-play recess for all children in New Haven Public Schools, is written and implemented by Fall 2013.

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New Haven Parents needs your help with “City of New Haven Board of Education: Implement a district wide RECESS FOR ALL policy for NHPS kids by Fall 2013”. Join New Haven Parents and 194 supporters today.

Today: New Haven Parents is counting on you

New Haven Parents needs your help with “City of New Haven Board of Education: Implement a district wide RECESS FOR ALL policy for NHPS kids by Fall 2013”. Join New Haven Parents and 194 supporters today.